In speaking with a very dear friend recently, we were discussing children's behavior. We talked about how things have changed over the years in regards to kids just being kids.

​In response, she wrote the following that I'd like to share with you:

A KID IS A KID, OF COURSE, OF COURSEBy: CeeJae Cooper

​“Don’t do that!”“Stop it!”“Just grow up.”“Act your age.”“My three year old acts better than that!”

Have you heard these statements or maybe even said them yourself? So often in life we speak before we think. This applies to not only each other as adults, but especially to adults talking to children. Do these statements have an impact on children? What do you think happens to their self esteem as they process these words? Does the tone you use change the meaning of the spoken word? Words may not always “hurt” but the tone of those words often cause a child to react in a negative way.

Let’s take a step back in time for a moment. Close your eyes and think back to when you were a young child. Imagine what your playtime was like. What about time spent with family and friends? Do you remember playing in the yard? Going on family vacations? Summer fun in the sun?

I realize that not all memories are pleasant ones, but let’s focus on the positive, for now. Can you see yourself smiling and laughing when you were young and “innocent”? Now put your own child or children in your mind. What do you see? Do you see them laughing and having a good time? Enjoying life and all it has to offer? Or, do you see them in some other way?

I ask these things to bring up one important question for you to think about…. Is your kid getting the benefits of being a kid?

Let’s talk about what it means to be a kid and the importance of this stage in life. Being a kid means learning the way of the world. Often we think of providing a loving home, nutritious food, and a safe environment for children. However, do you think about providing age appropriate play time for your child? As a kid, learning through play is as important as home and health. It promotes healthy brain activity which helps to develop their imagination, physical, cognitive, and even their emotional strengths which in turn aids in setting the path for their future as adults.

With social distancing becoming the new “norm” for citizens, it’s important to incorporate these learning practices with your children while still allowing them the freedom to be kids. Just because they may need to stay 6-feet away from their friends doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have friends to play with. Building friendships and social skills is all part of the learning process. So how do we cope with these issues in this day and age? Each family has their own methods and it is not my place to tell you how to follow the guidelines. That’s your own decision. However, the importance of reminding children to be a “kid” and have fun with life, is still a major factor to consider.

Have you ever met someone who had to “grow up” before their time? Maybe that person is you or a loved one. Do you ever think about how life would be different “if only”? “If only” I (they) could have been a kid. “If only” I (they) didn’t have to take care of the family. “If only” I (they) would have been able to ride a bike all day, play outside, build a sand castle. The list of “if only” could go on and on. While I don’t want you to dwell on the woulda, shoulda, coulda of the past, I do want you to think about what you want for your child. Do you want them to enjoy life to the fullest? Or, do you want them to be a grownup too early in life?

These are things to ponder on as your child goes through each stage of life. And something I’d like you to consider…. You are never too old to “act” like a kid. Enjoy these growing years with your children, for they become young adults all too soon.

Here are few suggestions that kids/families can do to encourage play time while observing social distancing:

Play front yard BINGO. Gather the neighbor kids into their own front (or back) yard. Have them each get a BINGO card. There are several websites that allow you to create your own themed cards. Email them out to the neighbors and have them print their own card. Then you can use something like Zoom to video chat letting one person be the “caller”. This could be done outside or you could do this from inside as well. Get creative.

Driveway Dance Party. Gather in the driveways and bust out the moves. Dance! Dance! Dance!

Looking Glass Tic-Tac-Toe - Use painter’s tape to mark off a Tic-Tac-Toe board on a window or sliding glass door. One person stays inside and the “friend” stays outside. Use dry erase markers, window clings, shaving cream, etc. to play a new version of an old favorite.

Chalk Stories - Pick your “6-foot” sidewalk space and divide it off between your friends. Each of you create a part of a story making it all come together when it’s finished. The story can be something simple or complex, depending on the age of the children.

What’s in My Yard Scavenger Hunt - Have children find unique things from your yard and take pictures of them (or they can just write down the objects). Then they can share the pictures/notes with their friends from across the driveway and see who has the same items and who has something different. Encourage them to discuss these items with the other kids.

Share-A-Book - Have the children pick their favorite book/story and read it to their friends. You can do this while keeping the social distancing space still intact. Each child could read a book, if they’d like. Then you could encourage the kids to get creative with everyday art objects. Draw a pic of their favorite part of the book or anything related to the book.

There are so many things that could be done while keeping children healthy and safe yet still allowing them to be kids, as they are meant to be.

Spring? The season of beauty. Time for new things to bloom and grow. But is this season real? I woke this morning to discover about three inches of snow outside with flurries still flowing freely in the air. This is the first day of "Spring Break" and yet, I see no Spring in sight.

Instead, I sit and ponder what activities I can do that will give me that Spring feeling even with snow and rain in the future forecast. What about you? What do you do when you have the Winter blahs and want to jump into the fun of Spring?

Are there free activities that you can participate in? I've found a wide selection of free books via Kindle lately and have decided to reduce my the prices on some of my eBooks as well. So if you haven't purchased the Ackerman Security Consultants books, check out the great rates.

Tell me about your Spring plans. What does the season hold in store for you?

Do What do you think of when you hear the word "Sunshine"?
Do you think of songs? The outdoors? Camping? Hiking? Swimming in a lake (or pool)? How about riding back roads and listening to happy tunes?

All of these things come to my mind when I think of sunshine. Today I am blessed with beautiful weather and finally feeling better (after several days of having the "icks"). The sun is shining bright and it is going to be in the 60's today. Of course I'll be stuck behind glass walls (work), but at least I get to see the beautiful sunshine in the sky. Do I wish I could enjoy the great outdoors? Of course. But duty calls. Work first. Then it will be dark by the time I get home. However, I believe tomorrow might be a day to enjoy some outdoor time. Maybe sit on the patio and write, if nothing else. I know I am long, long overdue for the release of the next ASC book and I apologize for that. Life has handed me several lemons lately which seems to keep interfering with writing. I promise I am doing all I can to get back in the swing of things.

What about you? What will you be doing on this fine day? What about the next sun filled day? Do you have a routine that you go through?

Often when the weather is this gorgeous out, it brings to mind my son and daughter-in-law and of course the grand-pups. They love the outdoors. It also makes me miss being near them. However, I know that life has a plan in store for me and I am where I'm supposed to be at this moment in time. What about you? Do you look at life's goals as something that is already planned out for you be a "greater power"? I am a firm believer in the fact that all things happen for a reason and my life has a purpose plotted out. I may not know what it is at this exact moment, but I have complete faith that there is a path I am supposed to follow.

If you have thoughts on this subject, I'd love to hear from you. You can comment below or email me at: katorah@katorahkenway.com

There are so many things you can choose to do. Let's see... Make lemonade, make margaritas, add them to your tea, and so forth.

I have found that in life, you are often handed lemons. However, it's what you choose to do with them that counts. For example, do you let them sour your mood? Your outlook on life? Your attitude? Or do you add a little sugar and sweeten them up to make them scrumptious?

In the end, isn't it about how you look at how the outcome may turn out?

Over my lifetime I've had enough lemons handed my way that I could probably have supplied an entire nation full of margaritas (or lemonade). However, I still get up every day and try to keep a smile on my face. There are worse things that could happen, so I have always tried to look at the positive. Do I talk about the negative? Of course I do. You can't keep things bottled up or you'll end up with a massive inner explosion. Luckily, I have friends that don't mind (or pretend not to mind) hearing about my "sigh" moments and that helps tremendously. I'd like to think that I'm also there for them when they need to "vent".

What about you? What do you do with life's lemons? Do you see them for their beauty? The things that have shaped you into the person you are? Or do you look at them seeing only the shell of fruit that has shriveled and turned rotten from prolonged exposure or age?

Again, it's all in how you look at things. I try to see the beauty. First thinking of the tree the lemons grow on then the flower that blooms, which later turns into the ripe succulent fruit that can be used for so many things.

So if you have some extra lemons today, make lemonade and bring some to share with me, because now that I've talked about them, I'm dying of thirst and lemonade sounds amazing. :)

How can you not look at this picture and think about the world as a peaceful place? This is the view I get nearly every morning and it's amazing to me the way the sun shines towards the flag. The days that have a breeze and the flag whips in the wind are even better.

The frost on the grown makes me think of fresh starts. Crisp, clean air. Even if the weather is cold, I can still sit by the window and look out over the beautiful landscape.

I love the fact that my "day job" is located at a place that offers true camp experiences for kids during the summer while giving them the opportunity to enjoy nature's educational benefits during the school year.

Do you have a pic of something you think is gorgeous (eye candy included ha! ha!)? Then feel free to share (please keep them tasteful if eye candy pics NO NUDITY). I'd love to see what you think of as a gorgeous view.

dHave you ever noticed that no matter how simple a project may be, there is always something that comes up to hinder the progress?

Well, okay, maybe not ALWAYS, but most of the time. At least that's been my experience. For example... Yesterday I packed up my Christmas decorations. When I went to get the tape to secure the tree box, of course I had bargain shopped at the "dollar store" and the tape wouldn't stick. Now, I'm not saying this is the case on everything from the dollar stores. I actually enjoy picking up items from there and have found many useful things along the way. However, there are times when an item just isn't worth the bargain. After using the entire roll of clear packing tape and still not having any luck with it staying sealed, I opted to hit up my go to store... Amazon.

One down, one to go... Do you stress during the "Holiday Season"?
Deciding on the perfect gift for the person who has everything? Figuring out what recipes are "figure friendly"? Choosing your New Year's resolutions?

All of these things can lead to stress overload. Not only did you just have Christmas to deal with, but now you have the New Year's events only days away. Do you go all out to bring in the New Year or do you sit in a quiet place at home? Do you spend the tick of midnight curled up snoring or do you bring it in with a bang of fireworks and steamy kisses from your significant other?

No matter how you celebrate the Holiday Season, stress surrounds you. Maybe it's not you that stresses out, but your partner, your co-worker, your kids. Stress is everywhere.

So, in today's world of face paced toys, computers, smart-phones, and multitasking, how do you deal with the stress of it all? In days of yore (yep, I'm using that old fashioned word), you spent time outside. You breathed in fresh air and took time to "smell the roses" (or at this time of year the pines and cedars). Just the thought of going through those motions has my mind slowing down and taking a mental breath.

However, as I sit at my desk, overlooking the outdoor world (yep, I'm fortunate enough to have a view of those trees I just mentioned), my mind races with the "to do list" of the day.

So how do I deal with stress? There are a lot of ways, but one thing I've discovered, is that stress balls really do work. Take for example these little cuties via Amazon: Emoji Stress-balls. I've purchased these multiple times. They are great pick-me-ups whether for yourself or someone you know. I used to give them to the kiddos to play with as fidget toys. They not only keep your hands busy, they also bring a smile to your face. No matter how you look at them, they're helpful.

Other ways to relieve stress... Deep, cleansing breaths. It's the first thing you should do and often. Even when not stressed, those cleansing breaths are beneficial to your health. Listen to soft music. My mood changes from day to day and so does the music I look for when trying to de-stress. Sometimes it's classical, while other times it's soft pop. What about you?

Candles are also good for stress relief. Not only do they have the aromatic benefit, but also, if you watch the flame flicker and dance, it can create a calming effect. Can't burn candles where you're at? There are alternatives... Pull up a fireplace replica on your computer, tablet, or phone. Watch the flames dance. Relaxing, right?

These are only a few ways to de-stress from the action packed holidays. I encourage you to find your stress relievers and use them often. Life is too short to let the little things stress you out. Even the big things work out better when you can sit back, take a breath, and look at the situation from every angle.

To sum it up...
​As they say in N'awlins (New Orleans)... "Let the good times roll"

There are times in our lives when we have to step back and re-evaluate things. Lately, I've been going through this process. I have come to the conclusion that I am not set out to write on only one topic for a blog, as I have been researching. I am the type of person who finds interest all around in every category. So, today begins a new journey for me and "my thoughts".

I am going to attempt to update the blog/thoughts on a regular basis, covering a variety of topics. Yes, from "adult" themes to things to do with kids and education. I have a broad spectrum of interests and I am of the thought that maybe others are the same way. You know, the "look a squirrel" kind of things. Ha! Ha!

Anyway, as the New Year rolls in, I thought it might be time for the "old me" to roll out. So here's to the "new me", "new thoughts", "new ideas", and "new news". :)

Life shows us that there are often times we need a second chance. Maybe even a third or fourth.

I have found that second chances mean you take what you learned the first time around and turn that into something positive. For example... If you've followed along with me the past couple of years, you've learned I am living my "second half" of life. There have been many times over the years that I've had to start over from the beginning. Is it hard? Absolutely! Is it worth it? Again I say, Absolutely!!

If I wouldn't have started my life over with this second chance, there is no telling where or how I would have ended up. A padded room, drooling on myself? Possibly. Six-feet under? Also possible.

Instead, I did the one thing I was too scared to do for many years.... Start the F#@% over! Was it the right decision? Yes! Yes! And Double Yes!

Now, I ask you... Does EVERYONE deserve a second chance? I think the answer to that would be endless and often debated. There are some situations that I fully agree do not deserve that second chance. But then again, if you're a religious person, doesn't God state that sins should be forgiven and forgotten? It's something that is hard to do as a mere mortal. At least for me. I may be able to forgive, but forgetting is a whole other situation.

Then again, I tend to forget what I had for lunch yesterday, so who knows. Maybe I could. So far, I have found those are the things that stick inside the cranial lobe. Sins, wrongdoings, harmful actions. Each have had an impact on my life from someone or other and I haven't been able to get them to disappear into the nothingness that is forgotten memories.

Without my second chance, I'm not sure I would have found the REAL me. I have over the past several years and to be honest... I LOVE myself! Egotistical? No! You have to love yourself in order to truly love others. I now look at what's inside and care less about what is on the exterior. Those things are just surface images. It's the internal heart that makes a person who and what they are.

To sum up... I honestly believe there are times when second chances are beneficial and deserved. I also think that everyone should try to smile at least twice a day. It's off topic, but if you think about it, isn't a smile a "chance" to turn a frown upside down? If all else fails, go to bed and try again at the dawn of a new day.

"Don't think there are no second chances. Life always offers you a SECOND CHANCE... It's called TOMORROW."Nicholas Sparks

The amazing Torie James did a write in nomination for OURS TO HAVE as romance book of the year. If you agree with her, please feel free to spread the word to log-on to goodreads and scroll to the bottom of the romance category to "write in" Ours to Have.

Thanks Torie for the faith and support you show not only me, but other authors as well. You're incredible!

When two souls are destined to be together, nothing can keep them apart, and if the elders can give those souls a little help, they will intervene.Arastar was destined to be with Quinn. It was written in the stars. Their encounter wasn’t a normal one, but once they met, they couldn’t deny what destiny already knew.Little did they know their lives would change for the better; both gaining so much more than just each other.

The question of school uniforms has plagued our society for many years and why I'm debating this, I have no idea, since I no longer have children of school age. It was just something that popped into my at the alarming hour of 3:00 a.m. when I woke with a start and the debate rattling around in my head. Now I ask you.... Why is that? No freckin' idea. Ha! Ha!So, to let's get on with the debate...Are uniforms beneficial to students? When I worked in a school (years ago) the debate began. I, for one, was opposed to the idea (at that time I had a school aged child).

*If a student has violent tendencies, what they are wearing isn't going to change that. Caring and loving acts are what make a difference. (Not in all cases, I know this from experience, but sometimes a "violent" or "misbehaved" child just needs some one-on-one attention.)Improving Social Interactions.... Well, let's think about this one... Whether I'm wearing a dress or shorts, I'm still going to act the same way around people. My social skills don't change with what I have on. However, I will admit that sometimes you (or I) have more confidence when I'm dressed to the "nines" but deep down, I'm still same old me.

*Scholastic Abilities... Ummmm.... Not even gonna debate this one. What I have on doesn't make me "smarter" or want to learn more. If anything, when my son was in school, he was more apt to pay attention and "learn" when he was dressed in his comfy clothes as opposed to starched, "stiff", items.

*Easier for parents to shop... Yep. This might be the true. Although, when I was researching the practice of school uniforms, I found that I could still buy other clothes much cheaper, which would impact my budge significantly. At times, I was able to find items at the secondhand stores that were basically brand new for pennies on the dollar and that was much cheaper and easier than hunting specific items. I must admit, I was a lucky parent in the fact my son didn't require or ask for name brand items (except his motorcycle racing gear, but hey, even I agreed with those items... Safety first, after all).

*Etc., Etc., Etc... I could go on an on for the con side and yes, I could even name more pros, but my point is, do children really want them? Shouldn't they have an opinion in the matter?

And why am I bringing this debate up? Again, I admit, I have no idea.Ha! Ha!

Why is it when someone wants a pic of you, you can never find a selfie that you like?

​In my case, it's probably because I hate pics and never take them. Now, looking through my phone I've discovered that my albums contain mostly half naked men (models) that I've chosen to share as eye candy on my blog or FB page, etc. and the rest are of my grandpups. LOL